Exe-Calibre’s first race event of the season started well with a full crew turnout comprising both experienced and newer paddlers.
Full of positive energy we lined up in the third heat of the Open 200m alongside Worcester Dragons, Batchworth and Amathus Bees. The winter and spring of intense training really paid off as we recorded our 2nd to best ever time for 200m in 52.00 secs, placing us as 5th fastest runners up, with a place in the 3rd repechage against Colenorton, Worcester and Amathus Dragon Jockeys.

Unfortunately at this stage the expected rain arrived and began what turned out to be a torrential downpour rendering conditions extremely harsh for the rest of the day.
We still managed to record 54.48 secs, just over 2 secs behind the rep winners Colenorton, and gaining 3rd place, but progressing no further in the 200m races.

Following the 200m and with weather conditions making paddling extremely difficult and unpleasant, a team managers’ meeting was held and a decision taken to continue with a shortened programme.
Getting wetter and colder by the minute Exe-Calibre had a soggy wait for over 2 hours before lining up with Worcester Dragons, Batchworth and Amathus Bees. We recorded a time of 2.24.02, coming last in the heat but with credibility intact given the conditions and the fact that two of the other crews paddle in the Premier Division.
The repechages having been cancelled due to the weather, we moved straight to the plate semi-finals where we improved on the previous time by more than 2 seconds at 2.21.95. not bad considering we had to bail out the boat before every race, (we had to do that because it was raining, Kate!) and there was no let-up in the weather.
Our final race of the day saw us lined up against Secklow and Worcester in the plate minor final. At 2.27.87 we came last but given the drenching we got, the crew who were voted ’most improved crew of the season’ last year didn’t disgrace ourselves.

Well done to the crew, long-serving and recently joined alike who kept their sense of humour and gritted their teeth to the end. Well done Jo, who clung on to a wet drum and thanks to Ed and Debbie for hot drinks and the little shelter we had to save us from hypothermia!

Full Race Results (pdf file)